Definition: Behold, therefore I [am] against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste [and] desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Ezekiel 29:10. It's a really significant statement about God’s judgment and a vision of a terrible future for Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is sending a very severe punishment to Egypt – a massive, complete destruction – because they are polluting the land with their wickedness and lack of righteousness. He's going to make the entire land, from its very edge to its furthest borders, utterly barren and desolate. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 29:10” : This is a specific passage in Ezekiel’s prophetic book – it’s a vision that God gave him. “Behold, therefore I [am] against thee…” : This is a command from God to show his anger and power. He's addressing someone – we don’t know who exactly – but he's saying "I am against you." "...and against thy rivers..." : This refers to the Nile River, which was crucial for life in Egypt. God is punishing their way of life that depends on it. "...and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste [and] desolate…” : This is the core of the verse. God intends to completely destroy the land. "Waste" means to be ruined, to become barren and lifeless. It’s not just a little bit damaged; it'll be irrevocably destroyed. "...from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia." : This is the most dramatic part . It specifies exactly where this devastation will occur. The tower of Syene (near modern-day Cairo) is a significant location in ancient Egypt, and it’s being described as being utterly ruined, extending all the way to the edge of Ethiopia – which was a large territory east of Egypt at that time. This signifies a complete annihilation of the land's resources and vitality. What does this verse mean in a broader sense? It's about God’s judgment: The verse is a clear warning about God's justice and his displeasure with sin. It speaks to the dangers of sin: It highlights that our actions have consequences, and that we are accountable for what we do. It's a call to repentance: The verse can be interpreted as a call for Egypt to change its ways – to repent of their wickedness and return to righteousness. Important Note: This is a vision , not necessarily a prophecy about the future in the literal sense. It’s a powerful message intended to warn God's people about the potential consequences of their actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes? Talk about the historical context of Ezekiel 29?